When our five children were in school most of our neighbors had already raised their children. Four couples in their 70s and 80s said because their kids had a top education they would vote for referendums so our kids could also.

Of course we have a $30 million jail we’re embarrassed to pay for, and then there’s the recession and the beat goes on. From past experience, we know the cuts will be music, athletics and art. Yes, we are an older population in Austin, but times have been tougher.

Darlene M. Hardy

Austin